functionally
functionally — adverb
1. with usefulness and efficiency as the main concern, rather than decoration or ap
with usefulness and efficiency as the main concern, rather than decoration or appearance
Otis chose a functionally sturdy backpack for his hiking trip instead of a leather bag.
adverb before adjective: functionally sturdy
Jisoo arranged the furniture functionally so the living room felt more spacious.
adverb after verb: arranged functionally
Bao looks for functionally designed kitchen appliances that save counter space.
The new website works functionally well, letting users find what they need in two clicks.
- practically
more general; can also mean 'almost'
- usefully
focuses on serving a practical purpose
- efficiently
emphasises saving time or effort
- decoratively
focuses on appearance rather than use
- ornamentally
for decoration only
文法句型
[verb] + functionally
functionally + [adjective]
用法筆記
Often contrasts with 'decoratively' or 'aesthetically'. Common in reviews of products, architecture, and interior design where usefulness is valued over visual appeal.
常見錯誤
2. operating or performing as expected, without problems or interruption
operating or performing as expected, without problems or interruption
After the storm, the hospital's backup generator was still running functionally.
adverb after verb of operation: running functionally
Erik's ten-year-old car is functionally operational despite its rusty appearance.
adverb before adjective: functionally operational
The IT team confirmed that the database is functionally stable again after the crash.
Nia dropped her phone but it still works functionally for calls and texts.
- operationally
more technical; used in systems or machinery contexts
- normally
simpler and more general
- properly
focuses on correct operation
- dysfunctionally
in a way that does not work correctly
- abnormally
deviating from the usual working state
文法句型
[verb] + functionally
functionally + [adjective]
用法筆記
Frequently paired with verbs of operation: 'work', 'run', 'operate', 'perform'. Common in medical, technical, and recovery contexts.
常見錯誤
3. regarding the purpose, role, or task someone or something is meant to perform, o
regarding the purpose, role, or task someone or something is meant to perform, often used to compare or classify
Functionally, the two jobs are the same — both involve managing client accounts and reporting progress.
sentence adverb: Functionally, [clause]
Hamza's role in the project is functionally equivalent to a team leader despite his different title.
collocation: functionally equivalent to
The company split into three functionally distinct divisions after the merger with a rival firm.
Although the two software programs look different, they are functionally identical in everyday use.
- operationally
used in business or technical contexts about how a system works
- in terms of function
more explicit and formal phrase
- structurally
relating to physical structure rather than purpose
- aesthetically
relating to appearance rather than role
文法句型
Functionally, [clause]
functionally + [adjective]
用法筆記
Commonly used as a sentence adverb at the beginning of a clause to frame a comparison of purposes or roles. Distinguish from Sense 1 (PRACTICAL USE) which focuses on tangible usefulness — this sense is more abstract, comparing the essential nature of two things.